I grew up in a cult part 2.

[marvalmak]

To include the10C's into the sacrifi/ritual/ceremo/laws of our ancient forebears is The error of many professors. The indwelling does not make us automatum crontra He convicts us of our sinful nature! and through the process, as promised teaches us all things! or brings us to all truth eg individually WE will ALL give account for what we say&do. As our Lord said walk as i have walked - Do as i have done! So to ans your ques, YES we are totally responsible. No excuses.

[Thistlesifter220]

Great sound quality....

[filmsock]

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[LRNRQ]

I was a teenager in the early 90s in the church. I was punished by the church for having a boyfriend outside of the church and told that I was a bad seed who couldn't attend youth group functions or church until I did what they asked. However, they continued to allow my father who they KNEW had been sexually abusing me to go to church. In fact, they covered my abuse up and the minister who didn't report it can no longer be a minister in the state that this happened. WWCG was a cult to me.

[ggore6]

I agree with your comments. I was born and raised in WWCG too. It had a big impact. Good to see I'm not alone!

[herbertwarmstrong]

The problem was a culture was allowed to develop in the church that gave ministers unaccountable authority in the lives of the members. There were some pretty bad doctrines (like the healing doctrine), which to the credit of Tkach, he changed. I am not surprised God destroyed the WCG because it simply became corrupt. Big institutions and religious movements always end up corrupt.

[herbertwarmstrong]

We all go through stages. I studied the history of the WCG and found some of it very distateful. But, my belief is in the Bible, not in men. So today, I do not keep the Hebrew calendar (but use a different one) to determine holy days. I do not agree with tithing, believe in Two Resurrections not three. Believe doctors, birthdays and make up is okay. We have to find our own truth.

[bahnsidhe]

poor baby... well at least you have someone to blame for all your screw ups. I mean... heaven forbid you actually learn something and "move on"! Grow up, gain a "pair" and get over it. Whine to someone else...

[deejayalemus]

@bahnsidhe look up "empathy" one of these days.

[thomasframpton]

Watch "Doctrine of Death"; it can't be emphasized enough HWA and Flurry were and is worse serial killers than Jeffrey Dahmers.

[changethechange]

WCG.. wow not any good memories from that.. I am 33 now, and I still fight with my Grandma with Armstrong embedded teachings.. I might o a radio show on this subject.. Anyone want to take part in it?

[deejayalemus]

@changethechange I would be willing to do a 'testimonial' on my own experiences, some good, mostly bad.

[herbertwarmstrong]

@changethechange

You are more Wacky than your Grandma's teachings! Just look at your videos on your page! Worldwide never preached martial law and all the stuff coming out of the Alex Jones movement!

[changethechange]

@herbertwarmstrong where do you see martial law on my page/ WWCOG was a cult. period.. And I don't follow Alex Jones in any way.. get your facts straight

[herbertwarmstrong]

@changethechange

See the video, Martial Law/10 Govenors in your favourites. You are just as nutty and right wing as your previous affiliation with WCG. Why bother to campaign against Obama, is he not God's servant? Does not Romans command us to respect our leaders and pray for them? The WCG commanded us to be submissive to governmental authority as much as possible, not campaign against God ordained leaders!

[changethechange]

@herbertwarmstrong Well, I am sorry I will just agree to disagree with you. :)

[herbertwarmstrong]

@changethechange

And by the way, I am liberal in the Churches of God. I do not believe in tithing, reject the Hebrew calendar, and follow what the Bible says, not what Herbert W Armstrong teaches.

[changethechange]

@herbertwarmstrong  Very glad for that!!

[RonaldKovacs]

I watched Armstrong on t.v. as a young adult and read "The Plain Truth" from time to time. I got the impression that yes, wwcg was taking in a lot of $ and HWA was in marketing in the past and smelled a bit of a rat. However, I found the teachings interesting. Aside from HWA dwelling on Revelations, a lot of what he said made sense to me. To those of you who say this was a cult, have you rejecting the teachings completely?

[dukotpunch]

I'm 34 now, and belief in God left me bitter since WCG. I stopped going to church since I was 14. I understand everything you are going through.

In my opinion, no one can make the claim that they know GOD. God can only be known by the individual, but for sure, I just said this because there is no point being bitter anymore. I have forgiven HWA retard.

[dukotpunch]

Dont lose faith in God, God is not Christianity. I found God again, and I am pretty sure you will. God is not in religion. You look for God on your own.

Ironically, during WCG, I was 10 years old and in a private Catholic school. I did not want to do the sign of the cross, my teacher who was a nun called me a PAGAN! hehehe.

Bro, dont lose faith in God. WCG or any of these so-called people of God are shams. Only you will understand God's power. This is what makes fake prophets fake.

[dukotpunch]

But there was of course good things. My memories of the church made me believe that some people can be inherently good, while others are rotten inside, like a disease. These memories of my childhood made be realize that I went through my life as a resilient person coz of the values that I learned from a religious life.

[dukotpunch]

Hi, like you I grew up in the WCG in 1980's. Everything you described was the way things worked out. I began to ask what is wrong with GOD for requiring such a tax in dollars when he owned everything.

It was bad in way coz my brother wanted to go to Med school but the only way he can do this was attend Saturday classes.

[toxicsugar1]

I was born the year that a/\/\strong died and i was forbid to /\/\arry outside the church, but because i fallowed /\/\y heart and didnt judge people i was EX'ed fro/\/\ /\/\y fa/\/\ily. i was cut off. but what they see is i cut /\/\yself off fro/\/\ God. /\/\y fa/\/\ily refuses to accept people as they are as equals, and believe they ae the chosen ones by God. anyone else is of satan

[nosimpin]

seperation from the world is a requirement of the bible. i am doing some research on tithing. well i know about the ten percent but that extra....well. i am responding to your response to me about this being a cult. it does seem like some of your members went overboard.

[Sacramentosaint]

Come on, do you really want me to answer that question?

[wadenash08]

Well I guess we all have an opinion.But I am not brainwashed and there is most surely a God.Why do you think you wake up on the mornng?;)

[wadenash08]

Dont you guys have anything better to do than sit around and bash a church??Its really sad you guys!! You should know things are done for the greater good and stop being so selfish!

[Sacramentosaint]

LOL, another brainwashed individual. For the greater good of what? The greater good of lining there own pockets. There is no God, now get over it.

[deejayalemus]

@wadenash08 you speak from a position of profound ignorance. that is all.

[rachey008]

Wow, I grew up in the church too! I stopped going my senior year when my parents stopped making me. And you're totally right, most everyone I know that were teenagers in the mid to late 90s (in the church) have a total mistrust of organized religion if not atheist all together. I want nothing to do with organized religion myself and the experience does color my world differently. But all of us that have been through it, we're connected for life. Thanks for posting.

[Sacramentosaint]

Thank you for sharing, wow what a ride we took huh. I hope you have turned your lemons into lemonade.

[lindsaythemom]

@rachey008 "...most everyone I know that were teenagers in the mid to late 90s (in the church) have a total mistrust of organized religion if not atheist all together." I have witnessed and experienced this phenomenon. It's not limited to the cults.

[juliestewart1]

Malichi3v6 IT IS GOD WHO CALLS HIS PEOPLE THEIVES,,,,BUT OFFERS THOSE WHO WILL TO TEST HIM AND SEE THE BLESSED RESULT DONT BELIEVE ME...............BELEIVE GOD

[nosimpin]

it doesn't sound like a cult at all. in the end you even say you feel it benefited you. you are calling it a cult yet you compliment how it has caused you to view the world differently than the people you work with. are you conflicted, because really the only thing bad you said about it was the usage of the word cult.

[dravenousone]

As a former member of WCG I can tell you it WAS a cult.

Before you make such a statement, you need to educate yourself on what a cult is.

We followed the "teachings of Herbert W.Armstrong".. a charismatic leader.. the first sign of a cult..

We were to separate ourselves from the world.. the second sign of a cult.

Shall we continue?

I think everyone who survived benefitted from it.. for we are not easily fooled anymore.

[itwillsetufree]

In the Bible someone also complained about use of money; Judas the Betrayer. 10% was used by this "cult" to give 8 million magazines each month & countless books for FREE! The second 10% was for your family to use for THEIR annual vacation at the week long Feast; to be spent on YOUR pleasure. And if a member could make a special offering every 3 years to help the widows & orphans it was welcomed help for them. How was this system 'stealing' & 'abuse' of some cult? I would examine yourself.

[juliestewart1]

I AGREE

[R6Mike88]

or private jets and scandalizing attorneys...

[eircom2222]

Thanks for your video. It will help a lot of people. If people are suffering emotionally and/or spirituality because of WCG or any of the splinter groups they could check out the 'Exit and Support Network' online. It is a great resource for people.

[LeatherbikerUK]

(continued from last message ...)

I am currently writing a book about my years of childhood in the Church and have no end of material, so I am sure you can fill a couple of 10 minute videos with something a bit meatier, and people would then be more interested in what you have to say. Please take this as constructive criticism as I admire what you are doing and hope you get some sympathetic responses from likeminded people

Tim

[Sacramentosaint]

No offense taken thanks for the criticism.

[LeatherbikerUK]

Hi,

I too grew up in this cult, from the year dot (1958) until I was 21, and I am now 50. I agree with many of your views, but I think you should perhaps write some sort of script and marshal your thoughts, as what you are saying is very waffly and for someone like me who is hoping for something more concrete and has been through the same traumatic experience, your videos really give me very little to latch onto.

(continued in next message....)

[VicJones01]

I feel sad for you that you allowed a small crack in your faith to become a large fisher. Most people look to God with an emptyness that only the Lord can fill. You went backwards, you started off full and sought emptyness. It sounds more like a misguided rebellion. God Bless you and I pray that your armor, in time is once again strong enough to walk the narrow path.

[TennMan2020]

You're a poor and sad little fellow.

[Metalfemme1313]

For Sacramentosaint and Cass (& all of the cult survivors):

"When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always"  --Mahatma Gandhi

[Cass61805]

I was in the WWCG from the age of 3 to 18. And I get you like only someone who has grown up in that church/cult can. I think for me, the biggest loss was my sense of self. When you grow up in a cult you are not allowed to think for yourself or to have your own opinion. You're told what to think. You're told what is right and what is wrong. An independent thought is a threat to the group. So, you can't have one. Once you leave you have the huge task of developing your own identity.

[Sacramentosaint]

You are right on the money. Thank you for your comment.

[Metalfemme1313]

So true, Cass. I feel the same way.

Funny, we had enough independent thought to leave when our parents couldn't force us anymore! 18 seems to be the magic #. lol

What congregation did you belong to?

[Cass61805]

I was a member of the Seaford, DE, congregation. I had Mr. Hampton, Mr. Register, Mr. Moody, and Mr. Flores for ministers over the years. My parents are still members, but went with the more mainstream liberal congregation, not one of the more Armstrong like ones like PCG. I think their particular congregation even goes to church on Sunday. I'm not sure. I don't talk religion with them. It's one of my boundaries with them and helps me to be able to have a relationship with them.

[Metalfemme1313]

I wish my mom could understand those same kinds of boundaries, but she's so brainwashed she doesn't even know how to separate the two. But hey, that's why they invented counseling (for people like us), right? lol

[Cass61805]

Yeah, I've had over seven years of therapy. I joke about the fact that I've probably bought my therapist a car by now, but it's probably true at $110 an hour. But, without it, I honestly don't know where I'd be. So, I guess that makes it all worth it. I've decided I'm just going to be one of those people that needs therapy every now and again, and considering my upbringing, that's O.K.

[Metalfemme1313]

I'm telling ya...I decided to join AA for 2 years. The 12 steps really helped me to get rid of a lot of baggage (still have some, but carry much less now!). I quit going when I realized that I wasn't really an alcoholic...lol! I'll bet Alanon would help anyone like us too. They do the 12 steps too & also teach ppl not to be co-dependent, from what I understand. My point is: It's virtually free (You can choose to donate $1 or $2 per meeting.) Seriously, I would never have made it without them!

[Cass61805]

I did Al-Anon for a few years, too. But it was because both my brother and sister are alcoholic. I think largely because of growing up in the church. My family was also very physically abusive. My dad took the whole "spare the rod, spoil the child" thing literally, like he did everything. I am a big supporter of Al Anon and CODA and all the 12 step groups.

[Metalfemme1313]

Lol! My mom was/is the church fanatic and my Dad was a partier...and they stayed with each other until AFTER I left home. Between that screwed up church and my Dad spending paychecks on drugs, alcohol, etc. it's a wonder I have any sense. Not to mention all the abuse I put myself through after I left church! I guess that makes us true survivors, huh? :)

[Cass61805]

Yeah, there were a lot of people in the church who were alcoholic. As a kid I didn't see it, but as I got older, I sure did. There were also a lot of people in the church with mental health problems. I didn't see that either, but looking back, wowza! It all fits though. Have you ever read the book, When God Becomes a Drug by Leo Booth. It talks about the parallel between addiction to substances and addiction to religion. Fascinating book. And, yes, I would say we're true survivors!

[Sacramentosaint]

My ministers were Mr. Servidio, Mr. Kersha, and Mr. Gore. Those are the ones I remember, I remember Mr. Moody at some of the feasts I went to. We did survive it, I just hope we didn't lose to many lives over the years.

[Cass61805]

I remember Mr. Servidio. I didn't know him that well because he was never my direct pastor, but I remember him at the YOU events. Wasn't his first name Steve? I don't recogniae the names Kersha or Gore. What congregation did you attend again?

[Metalfemme1313]

I agree! I've been telling people that my mom is addicted to church for years, but they have no idea what I'm talking about! That's interesting that there's a book on it :) Thanks for telling me about it!

[Cass61805]

Yes, that is one of the best books I've ever read. I highly recommend it for anyone that's been in the church or cult-like group. I think you can get it on Amazon for next to nothing.

[johnnyaught]

Keep healing..it's a journey. This whole this has been quite a ride. We need a WWCG family reunion...

[blitzburgh33]

Funny, my wife always joked that I grew up in the WWCG cult. I just happened to find your video and she gave me a big "I told you so!"

I grew up attending throughout the 80's in the Baltimore/Delware congregations. We left just before Herbet's death. The sense of being conned sunk in after visiting Ambassador College and witnessing first hand the lavish lifestyle Herbert W. Armstrong was enjoying while I watch my family and others go without just to tithe properly.

[Sacramentosaint]

They ran a nice "legal" scam for sure. Thank you for your comment.

[lynniex69]

i also grew up in that crazy cult!i was born into it. i had no choise! i also lived in big sandy for ten years! ive just stopped drinking vodaka everyday, and thinkin i was a piece of shit because i left it! thanx for your video. lynniex69.

[Sacramentosaint]

Thank you for your testimony. I will make another video soon on this subject.

[Metalfemme1313]

Oh, I forgot to mention that I was a member of the WCG until I was 13, then we joined the PCG, because you know Joseph W Tkach had "fallen away from Armstrong's (NOT GOD'S) teachings." What a crock!

[Metalfemme1313]

Woops. I think it didn't post b/c of the sites I posted? Lynnie, I was a member of the Shreveport, LA congregation from 1982ish to 1992ish. Then I went to the Winona, TX "congregation" of the PCG from 1992-1997, when I turned 18. I went to Big Sandy for my 1st feast. I remember going out there to "pick up sticks" for the campgrounds. YOU ARE NOT THE PIECE OF SHIT...THEY ARE! Look at exitsupportnetwork on the net. There are testimonies from former members about these cults. Also look at...

[Metalfemme1313]

...Letusreason dotorg. They have an FAQ's section that I think you will relate to. Furthermore, don't hurt yourself because you're mad at someone else. I tried that already. It doesn't work, so try not to drink AT other people & Good luck on sobriety!

[glitteringglory]

I have nothing more to say as I see you are extremely bitter and mix some truth and many lies. Even though you seem very hateful, I will pray for you. The Bible says, "Love your enemies". So, have a great day!! :)

[h8tebred]

Which church did you belong to? I was from the Dayton area

[Sacramentosaint]

The New Orleans branch.

[glitteringglory]

I grew up in Worldwide Church of God, too. Such a great experience to learn the truth at a young age! We now attend Living COG. I would not miss the Feast of Tabernacles for anything! I love it! It's such a blessing!!

I am so glad my kids have a chance to grow up the same way.

PS Stealing from God by not tithing is Biblical: Malachi 3v8-9. That's what I love about the church-we actually go by the Bible-ulike other churches!

[teeteelaw]

hello, fellow brainwashed person.

the chuch as they called themselves was indeed a cult; as they disallowed "fellowship" with non-cult members. the did not allow birthdays, christmas, voting, military service, wearing make-up, eating "unclean" foods....in these examples, the cult separated themselves from other churches, actually condemning their beliefs and practices; like you just did with your self-righteous comment above....most of the teaching were based on guilt, fear, and negativity.

[marvfisher]

obviously The devil is still active in that church ,because ther are still people in it,,,i spent 25 yrs, in there listening to that evil pack of lies,,

[Sacramentosaint]

Well I don't believe in a Devil, only mislead people looking for answers.

[RockyBalboa7777]

Again, I really think you need to look up the definition of the word "cult." Nobody is forced to do anything, but the government of God is upheld and those who do not wish to be a part of it or who have hidden agendas and wish to corrupt the church are told to leave. Joseph Tkach's reign may have been a different story but when Herbert W. Armstrong headed the church, it most certainly wasn't the way you make it out to be.

[Sacramentosaint]

Mr. Armstrong was a charismatic leader, other looked at the WCG beliefs as misguided, unorthodox, extremist, or false. The way I made it out to be was my experience, if you felt/feel differently about it, that is fine.

I was a member under Armstrong as well.

religion: a system of religious or spiritual beliefs, especially an informal and transient belief system regarded by others as misguided, unorthodox, extremist, or false, and directed by a charismatic, authoritarian leader

[teeteelaw]

cont from glitteringglory; then for the truly fucked up; there was the small inside group of adults who heard angels and demons speak to them...the practice of "writing" actual conversations between the two and witnessing an actual intervention right there as the angel (name and all) rebukes the demon and gives you instructions to follow; like for us kids, "don't play with that friend anymore because he has demons" was something to place in your scrapbook but cults don't do that I guess..right!

[RockyBalboa7777]

Tithing is a required for a purpose. It's not for personal gain. The first 10% sent to the church is to help maintain the government of God and to get the word out there, the second 10% is for the feast of tabernacles primarily, and the third (which isn't required 24/7) is to help those who are less fortunate, but that isn't something the church enforces with some kind of tyrannical dictatorship. Keep in mind that God's laws come from God, not men.

[oldomer314]

@RockyBalboa7777 One of the problems with UCG/WWCG splinter groups is the focus on things they must do to stay under Grace. The motivation is all wrong. The doctrine taught in these churches tries to support two opposing views. The first is Eph. 2:8-10 which clearly says we are saved by grace through faith. The other is that if you do not do the things of the law such as the sabbath etc.. you will lose your grace. This supports a continual earning of salvation. We cannot earn it, all fall short.

[marvalmak]

@oldomer314 Works is the outer manifestation of our faith, ie- faith without works is dead. Also run the race so as to win the crown! also if you say that you love me (Christ) and dont do the things i say then you are a liar. Satan says just believe and all will be roses and puff cakes with cream. However Jesus says, why do you say you believe and not do the things i say! Grace is not a licence for lawlessness my friend.

[oldomer314]

@marvalmak I agree that works is an outer manifestation of faith! Back to Eph 2:8-10 "...For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." On all of these points I agree w/ you! So where do we differ, if at all? I think here the issue is do we recognize that we can't do anything without Him! Or do we try and gain it on our own?! This is the issue I take with UCG. The law saves no one, right? Acts 13:38-40. God Bless!

[joshchism]

when did you attend because, my mom went to worldwide and now i go to united chruch of god.

[Sacramentosaint]

I attended from 1973 until around 1995. If that question was directed to me.

[degerton1]

I just wanted to say that the best times in my life has been in the church growing up.For my family the sabbath was a great delight.Things didn't get bad for me until we left the church. I'm 36 now and am thankful to now know the answers to what happened in the church. I'm happy to tell you that God's church is alive and well and Jesus Christ is the head of the church.Those wonderful times I had are back for me.Thanks

[Sacramentosaint]

I am glad you had a different experience then some others. I did mention that there were certainly things I enjoyed very much while attending the church. I just believe that I have had some issued do to the 20 years I spent fearing God.

[thrambone]

Imagine if Facebook, Youtube and PayPal were around in the time of WWCG? We could have joined via a Facebook WWGG group, watched sermons on YouTube and tithed with Paypal. Ahh the life...

It was a bit rough at times, but I have to say I have no regrets.

[faithlessfrank]

I was born in 1981, grew up in Worldwide until it broke up and then continued attending a couple of the various aftermath bits until I was a teenager. I am thankful for my upbringing and am now a happy atheist.

[mal2185004]

you are right. there is no common culture shared with my peers. the people who grew up with me scattered and I have to think that they will be accountable for the fact that so many young people turned from God. It's just the fact that I wasn't allowed to reach the conclusion that the church was wrong on my own. it was forced at 11 after years of sitting in the hall everytime santa clause or halloween was mentioned at school. I sometimes feel like they should have said they were sorry.

[Sacramentosaint]

Thanks for your comments. Unfortunately most of the people that should have apologized are now dead.

[SilverStar40]

I was part of the WWCG too. It didn't rock my faith in God but it did make me highly sceptical of organized religion. My mother left before the WWCG fell apart so that probably made for an easier transition for me. Enjoyed your video. To bad your going to hell cause everyone knows only Cowboy fans go to heaven!!! That's cause after loosing to the Rams on Sunday we have already had our share of hell on earth!

[uncledannyeung]

I am living happily because I have faith in God. He would take care of me until we meet in Heaven.Think more about your relationship with Jesus. Pray to God through Him for yourself and others.

I was once a lost sheep.I left the Church because my priest stole money from the Church and ran away.I blamed Jesus because of the priest. I was wrong. We need not care about others doing but our relationship with Jesus Christ.I am a Chinese. I am sorry for my English.Please forgive me.

[uncledannyeung]

You don't need to care what people have done to this World. The World is ruled by the Devil.

Everybody will affected by the Devil including Christians. We could not judge Jesus Christ with the act of the Church or the Christian.

All people are sinners including people of the Church. The Pope is a sinner too. The only pure place is the Heaven where we are waiting for.

[mercurious2222]

Everybody has some kind of advice, so I'll try not give that impression...BUT, give Christ the benefit of the doubt, and don't put limits on where Christ can go, when, and at what time. I can choose to see Christ in my life when I want to, and I can choose NOT to. I float between the two. However, that's our human right, right? To choose? Sure, the church made it easy for us young people, but now we're adults, and we can choose how to keep a personal relationship w/the god of our choosing.

[mercurious2222]

I grew up in this church as well, in the Shreveport area, from ages 6-21. I'm 38 now, and you know what, no matter how maturely I've reconciled my confusion and anger, I still sometimes feel that the church caused me to lose something dear to myself. What was it that I lost? To me, it was my living personal relationship to something much much higher than myself and the earth. But ya know what? I don't have to go to church to KNOW (not believe) when Christ puts a deliberate hand in my life.

[kellymich]

It's good that you haven't let bitterness and despair corrode you... there is no question that this organization was a very destructive doomsday cult and anyone who lived through it did not get through it without their fair share of wounds. Live free and think free... don't let the past determine the enjoyment that you get out of life. As the philospher Friedrich Nietzsche says"that which does not destroy me makes me stronger". There are those that didn't make it... many suicides and insanities.

[SadhikaLoveLight]

One LoveLight Aloha To You

Thank You FOr Your courage to share the TRUTH dearest ones please know the freemason illuminati skull &bones bush regime is the new world order

nwo

own

now

Please study youtube secret rulers of the world

all these folks are freemason illuminati they have been brainwashing and mind controling the planet for 1000s of years

youtube: US government covert plans exposed

DO NOT BE ASLEEP PLEASE REMAIN VIGILANT I send my LoveLight For Healing your Heart

[jnblondie]

The WWCG was an evil organization, from it's inception. Many children were abused physically, emotionally, verbally, spiritually, and sexually, Some committed suicide. There was a sickness inside the WWCG. I thank God not all of you experienced it. Sure, there were some good times. But when you realize all that fun was bought on a lie, how does it make you feel? None of it was real.

[Doinkblink]

A few mornings ago, I heard 'Jesus Christ' on a coast to coast radio talk show (on a clear channel super station) with some host guy namely Ian. Reminded my of something like if Herbie was on Art Bell! People fall for that kind of crap. I listened to Garner and got sucked in (1976). Lot's of kooks on radio and TV. BEWARE! Benny Hinn makes Herbie seem amateur! Some are entertaining like Ernie. Some scare the hell out of ya like Steven King. Many are con artists, scammin' the tithe payers. AMEN?

[herbertwarmstrong]

The church sheltered our lives a lot and in a way this gave us a sense of being a small community.

[jerryjam22]

The churches of Herbert never read whole chapters especially in Pauls letters anyone doubting that the law was done away should read what Paul wrote book by book, In 2 corinthians chapter 2 he called it the ministry of death writen on tablets of stone,that its glory was fading away. Now when we see what legalism does to people we should understand Paul better.

[skypatriotLvR]

Hi I grew up in that F-d up church also. Now at 27 I am happy now no thanks to a miserable child hood. My grandfather was a minister and so appearances were everything, even though life sucked we would pretend to be "holy" I got my ass beat for being a little kid, when i would fidget in my chair. the holy days really sucked because you would have 2 sermans. If you read the bible for your self TONS OF SHIT was really wrong that they taught. guilt+fear+controle+ brain washing+hypocrisy=WWCOG

[Sacramentosaint]

Wow, I didn't have it as bad as you. Yes I remember the Holy days and double service. There was a weekend in there where we were required to go 2 on Sat, 2 on Sun. WOW that sucked. I am glad you are happy now. I still have some hang ups, but I am working on them.

[jnblondie]

Sacramentosaint,

I love that you have a video up here. I think it is healthy to talk about your experiences in the cult. I too grew up in the cult-and I think it's important for you to understand that many children were abused physically, emotionally, spiritually and sexually. Many people committed suicide. It was an evil organization. The leaders did know what they were doing. May I suggest further research? It's all over the web.

[h8tebred]

Which church did you belong to? I attended the ones in Dayton, OH and Tipp City, OH

[Sacramentosaint]

New Orleans congregation.

[h8tebred]

It seems kinda weird that there are other people that were treated the same way that I was treated. I have to admit that my mother and I get into major disagreements regarding this issue.

[jerryjam22]

control freeks

[terakihi]

Excellent couple of vids on WCG. First heard about this church some 30 years ago when friends here in New Zealand joined, and wanted me to come along. I remember newly-married Herbert Armstong coming to visit, and his oh-so-confident predictions about the end of the world. Time also of the Garner Ted controversy and the Stanley Rader debacle. Was not convinced myself by any of it...

BTW... how comfortable are you with eating shellfish or pork today? Still have niggling doubts?

[Sacramentosaint]

I do have trouble with Pork, I do eat ham on a pizza, I use pig products, but I have trouble with Pork Chops etc. I have a little trouble with shell fish. If it is mixed in I eat it, if I have to peel it myself I have trouble.

[pos777]

Well dude, were exposed to thought reform, brainwashing techniques. It took me 20 years to deprogram and it's still ongoing. We were 'set apart' from the world mentally. As such it's taking me a long time to be able to fit in. I had a breakdown and my brother has emotional problems and relational problems. Religion is dangerous when people are serious about it. Most aren't thank 'god'.

[Sacramentosaint]

Thank you for your comments. Yes there were good times for sure. I When I discuss how the church affected me to my mother, I always say, " But we traveled so much, and SEP was great as well as YOU basketball". I just think that the mental toll that it took on me was a little much. I am 37 and it is almost 15 years since the final Sabbath and I still have issues with certain things.

[tsawyer40]

I am really glad I came across your video. I have not attended any church since I stopped WWCG 12 yrs ago.I was taught that they were the true church(I grew up in the church & attended 29 yrs & did about every Y.O.U activity..I had alot of fun)I really miss everyone who attended. I shouldn't,but every weekend when I think I'd like to attend the Baptist Church not to far from my home I feel guilty. I have a 12 yr old daughter and I feel I am depriving her with interacting with other church kids.

[rinabell83]

I found both your videos on the WWCG really interesting. :)

I grew up in the WWCG too and it's hard for me to explain it: people hear all the "bad" things and it's hard to make them understand it just wasn't all bad. It was so good at times. I miss that sense of family we had. I've never seen that in any church I've been to since.

Hm. I remember my parents made me save /all/ my money for the Feast of Tabernacles, but I didn't mind 'cause I had so much spending money for that week. :)

[roodala]

My grandparents grew up in a mormon colony, so it was always all about the church. Good people, yet they were so tunnel minded towards the church, others outside their faith were basically ignorant. This is what made me not like religion. Thinking one person was better than another just because of system of beliefs. Judgemental

[PositivelyPrimitive]

It seems to be that when ANY social structure reaches a certain population the corruption begins. It probably begins innocently enough. I don't know how that can be prevented. Either stop the growth at a small organization (against what religions try to do) or figure out a way to stop that slide into corruption.

[Sacramentosaint]

I agree, just the guilt and the fear of being left behind kept most giving there 10%. Thanks Primitive, I loved your leaf flowers.